Like many students at Franklin & Marshall, Zaeem Zia ’26 is thoughtful about the pros and cons of AI.

“We are making progress, but is it really progress if we are diminishing some other forms of things that are necessary for society?” asked Zia, a computer science and economics major. 

Zia wanted to bring the topic of AI ethics to a broader campus audience. So, he organized a March 26 Common Hour titled ‘Green Compute AI,’ an hourlong conversation around ethical, economic, and policy-driven approaches to help create a more environmentally conscious future for AI. Watch a recording of the event. 

Zaeem Zia '26 organized ‘Green Compute AI,’ a campus-wide conversation around ethical, economic, and policy-driven approaches to help create a more environmentally conscious future for AI. (Photo by Deb Grove)

“There's a cost attached to whenever you want something to be productive,” he said. Under the tutelage of Ed Novak, associate professor of computer science, Zia even developed a website, Green Compute AI, a role-based AI platform that assesses sustainability practices and delivers personalized recommendations to help understand and reduce environmental impact.

“From a young age, my main motivation was to create an impact. That's why I chose computer science. Living in this era – these are the fields that can have the most impact on the most lives,” said Zia, who grew up in both Las Vegas and Lahore, Pakistan. 

This semester, Zia received a prestigious F&M Leser Scholars Grant to support his independent research.

Zia (center, in yellow) is a member of F&M's rowing team. His name was recently added to the record books.

Zia invited Novak and three faculty members to participate in the spring Common Hour for a dynamic interdisciplinary discussion: Patrick Fleming, associate professor of economics and public policy and program chair of public policy; John Modern, Arthur & Katherine Shadek Professor of Religious Studies and department chair of religious studies; and Jason “Willie” Wilson, assistant professor of computer science. 

“I want to inspire students and faculty to consider how ethical, economic, and policy-driven approaches can help create a more environmentally conscious future for AI,” Zia said. 

After Commencement, Zia will take his studies to a global stage. He recently accepted a Fulbright scholarship to pursue his master's degree in data analytics at the Turun Yliopisto (University of Turku) in Finland.

“This opportunity means a great deal to me, not just academically, but as a chance to serve as a global ambassador and contribute toward bridging cultures and ideas across countries,” Zia said. 

“I’m especially excited to experience and learn from Finland, a country consistently ranked among the top in sustainability, governance, and happiness,” he said. “I hope to bring back perspectives that can help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.” 

Below, learn more about Zaeem’s path from F&M to Finland.

"I hope to bring back perspectives that can help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges."

Zaeem Zia '26

Zaeem Zia ’26

• Double major: Computer science and economics
• Hometown: Las Vegas and Lahore, Pakistan
• Activities on campus: Rowing, Student-Athlete Leadership Council (SALC), Dollars for Dips, lab teaching assistant 

Why did you choose to attend F&M?

I was looking for an opportunity to grow in a way that allows me to connect with people more fully. F&M is a great place to connect with faculty. Everyone knows everyone – and that’s a good thing. It allows you to deeply connect with other people and resonate with them. 

Why did you decide to pursue computer science and economics as a double major?

I was already somewhat decided on the fact that I want to study computer science, but economics was something very new and it opened so many new fields. Looking at the job market, it's such a good perspective to have a very theoretical background of computer science and also economics. That liberal arts foundation helps you understand the world from a different perspective. 

What advice do you have for the incoming Class of 2030?

Go for it! Where you are right now doesn't indicate where you want to be. You could have a plan in mind, and there might be a lot of rejection. Eventually things work out. 

AI at F&M

F&M is committed to fostering human-centered AI innovation through its signature interdisciplinary approach that asks how these tools can be used ethically, responsibly, and sustainably in service to a more just and human future.

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